L'Anse-Saint-Jean, Quebec, is a charming municipality nestled in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada. Known in French as "The Cove of Saint John," this quaint town is home to a population of 1,208, according to the Canada 2011 Census.
The history of L'Anse-Saint-Jean, Quebec, dates back to 1838 when it was founded by the Société des Vingt-et-un. This group of lumber prospectors and investors from Charlevoix played a pivotal role in opening up the Saguenay region to colonization.
L'Anse-Saint-Jean, Quebec, gained fame in a unique way. On January 21, 1997, its citizens held a referendum to transform the village into the Le Royaume de L'Anse-Saint-Jean (The Kingdom of L'Anse Saint Jean), making it the continent's first "municipal monarchy." The monarchists emerged victorious with 73.9% of the vote, leading to the coronation of Denys Tremblay as King Denys I.
The crowning of King Denys I took place on June 24, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, in the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The king announced plans to build a "vegetable oratory," Saint-Jean-du-Millénaire (Saint John of the Millennium). This micronational project was cheerfully acknowledged as a strategy to boost tourism in the region, which had been affected by the 1996 Saguenay Flood.
Today, L'Anse-Saint-Jean, Quebec, continues to attract tourists with its unique history and charm. The story of its transformation into a "municipal monarchy" adds a unique twist to the town's appeal, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of history and tourism.
